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Growing the golf game is a hot topic around the country, and many courses and groups in Michigan are doing their part to introduce the sport in new ways. Today, Janina Parrott Jacobs gives us an inside look at what opportunities are available for getting involved in the golf community.

With over 850 public facilities ready and waiting to serve all golfers regardless of experience, Michigan is in a prime position to show new members of the golf community what the sport has to offer.

Despite gorgeous surroundings, golf can be a difficult sport. That’s why new programs at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire are attracting major attention – especially for beginners and juniors. How much fun would it be to putt at 8-inch cups, almost double the size of the current 4 and ½ inch hole? From shorter tees? The great Jack Nicklaus himself is promoting this type of participation, through recommendations for 12-hole rounds, larger cups, and Tee-It-Forward initiatives. Shanty has created a new set of forward tees ranging from 95-125 yards at its Summit course, which is already attracting entire families.

One of the first resorts in America to adopt such a permanent program, Director of Golf and PGA Professional Brian Kautz noted, “We have four golf courses at our resort, so this was the perfect opportunity to convert one of them to implement this program.” To encourage more children, women, and families to play there this season, children 17 and under can golf for free on the Summit and Schuss Mountain courses with a paying adult all week. Kids can also play free on the Arnold Palmer designed Legend and Tom Weiskopf’s Cedar River layout on Sundays after 2 p.m. Visit www.shantycreek.com for more details.

Traveling to southwest Michigan, in Centreville, Island Hills has multiple loops of 5, 7, or 12 holes within their traditional 18-hole routing, depending upon the time of day. This stunning course, carved from hills and the peninsulas around Lake Templene, is ideal for golfers who do not have the time, stamina, or money for a full round. Junior programs abound and kids 13 and under play for free with a paying adult. Don’t miss lunch or dinner: the food is superb and goes far beyond normal 19th Hole Grill offerings.

At Treetops Resort, a member of the Gaylord Golf Mecca, the First Annual Women’s Golf Festival runs from August 11-15. Women can create their own free-form daily or multiple day package of lodging, golf, lessons, demos, pro tips, spa treatments, and more….all at discounted rates. Spouses and kids are welcome too. See WGF.treetops.com for details.

Other grow-the-game efforts around the state include Play Golf America’s ‘Get Golf Ready’ clinics which are designed to teach you everything you need to know to step onto a golf course with confidence…all five lessons range from $70-$100. Topics are: Get Rolling, Hit It Close, Swing, Swing, Swing, Driving School, and Ready, Set, Go Golf; many sessions are available through October so it’s not too late to begin. See getgolfready.com for site information. All equipment is supplied; just bring yourself, friends, or family.

TGA Premier Junior Golf in southeast Michigan is a youth development golf program for PK-8th grade students which takes place primarily at elementary schools and youth centers. TGA’s curriculum was created by golf professionals and education experts to include lesson plans that are fun, safe and educational, utilizing fields, blacktops, gyms and even hallways.

According to Owner and Territory Director Dave Robinson, formerly a 22-year Detroit Free Press editor, “the kids are inspired most by the magic of being on a real golf course during our summer camps. They enjoy learning fundamentals, rules and etiquette in our after-school classes and during the instructional part of camp. But they are truly excited to be on the course.” By partnering with Michigan golf facilities, TGA then gets the whole family involved through mom classes and parent/child events using the following components:

Golf instruction that is age-appropriate, effective and retainable

Character development lessons through our initiative “Play the Fair Way with TGA”

Physical education and fitness

Rules & Etiquette lessons utilizing our custom 2 Hole Teaching Aid

Academic lessons in math, science, history and English

Now at 75 locations with fall, winter and spring classes, summer camps are conducted at eight courses including Salem Hills, Heather Highlands, Downing Farms, Sycamore Hills, and Glen Oaks. More local information is available at playtga.com. Franchises throughout the state are also open for development. The program’s national link is www.golftga.com.

The Michigan Golf Course Owners Association is committed to maintaining great golf courses but its members are also consistently improving opportunities for play. The Golden Passbook, offers free golf for 2-4 players at 88 top courses in Michigan along with other discounts on lodging and services. Many of these courses are highly rated in Golf Digest, GolfWeek, and Golf Magazine: Yarrow, Marsh Ridge, A Ga Ming, Michaywe, Manistee National, Black Forest, Island Hills, Grande Golf Club, Fox Hills, the Grand Hotel, Shanty Creek, Treetops, Hidden River Golf and Casting Club, Westwynd, Buck’s Run, Boyne, Gull Lake View, Red Hawk, The Fortress, St. Ives, McGuire’s, and more. With another three good months of golf left, buy the Passbook now for $300 (regular price $550). Go to mgcoa.org or call Executive Director Kate Moore at 800-860-8575.

Will you be taking advantage of one (or more) of these Michigan golf opportunities? Share with us below!

Janina Parrott Jacobs is a lifelong Michigan resident but her passion as a multi-media golf and business specialist and international golf and travel writer takes her all over the world. Her website, www.janinajacobs.com, features many other entrepreneurial adventures as a motivational speaker, professional musician and performer, owning Capers Steakhouse in Detroit, and volunteer efforts with the U.S. Navy where she advocates for and mentors young people concerning health, nutrition, and fitness issues. Contact Janina at Jjacobs2456@gmail.com.

Michigan golf is better than ever. From golf magazine rankings to People’s Choice Awards, Michigan is consistently named among the best places in the country to play golf. Whether you’re an experienced golfer looking to improve or a beginner looking to explore, there are plenty of ways to work on your game.

For more information on golfing in Michigan or to plan your summer vacation, visit michigan.org.

Pure Michigan’s stellar golf courses are much more fun to play when your game is in shape. Michigan’s status as a top golf state also includes quality golf schools, clinics, and events conducted by talented teaching professionals from all over the U.S. Statistically, tour players take anywhere from 6 to 30 lessons annually to keep their games sharp. Most recreational golfers take none and it’s the one fix that could help the most. New golf clubs offer hope, but without proper guidance, the same swing problems haunt you.

If your game needs assistance, here are some opportunities:

Saturday, June 8: PGA Professional Brad Patterson will solve your swing problems, including simple putting fixes and ‘losing a slice in 3 balls’. Two sessions offered at 10am and noon at Midway Sports, 22381 Van Born Rd. in Taylor MI, 48180. Call Brad directly at 315-405-5756. or visit the website. Cost is $30.

Monday, June 10: Golf Legend Nancy Lopez visits Michigan to share her expertise asshe headlines the Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals 2013 Macomb Golf Classic at the Donald Ross-designed Detroit Golf Club. Participants will attend a morning golf clinic taught by Nancy and other members of Ladies Links Fore Golf (LL4G). On-course instruction, autographed pictures, and video of the complete day will be provided as well as lunch and dinner. For information, contact Tina Lavinio-Mattinen at 586-263-2968 or cmattin8@hfhs.org, or visit the website.

If you can’t make it to the events listed above, there are some excellent golf schools at great courses around the state to check out:

The acclaimed Kendall Golf Academy, based at Ypsilanti’s Miles of Golf, will conduct golf schools at ForestDunes Golf Club in Roscommon and Tullymore Golf Resort in Stanwood. Top state PGA professionals Dave Kendall, Frank McAuliffe, and Hall of Fame members Jack Seltzer and Lynn Janson will teach nulti-day schools along with one-day schools June – August. Package rates are $595 to $1195, lodging included, for the multi-day schools. For registration at Forest Dunes, call 855-275-1222 or visit forestdunesgolf.com. At Tullymore, call Scot Cucksey at 800-972-4837, ext. 251 or visit tullymoregolf.com. For the Kendall Academy, call 734-645-2322.

The Rick Smith/Jason Guss Golf Academy at Treetops in Gaylord: Nationally renowned instructor and principal Treetops owner Rick Smith hosts a world class learning center which has made GOLF Magazine’s Top 25 Golf Schools in America rankings an unprecedented three times. Swing methods come and go but the major philosophy here is clear communication, quality instruction, and individualized attention. When ‘school’ lets out, 81 holes’ worth of fun begins, including the Fazio and Smith courses, also in GolfWeek’s ‘Top Courses You Can Play’. Treetops hosted The Golf Channel’s inaugural ‘Big Break’ series; Threetops was the site for the ‘Par-3 Shootout at Treetops Resort’ featuring golf greats Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, and Lee Trevino, who aced the 7th hole, winning $1,000,000. For information on Smith, Jason Guss, and all programs, including a ‘Ladies-Only’ 4 day instructional retreat, visit treetops.com or call 989-731-8485.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s programs are led by Director of Instruction Scott Hebert, a six-time Michigan Open Champion. Three courses, with views of the bay test what you’ve learned: Jack Nicklaus’ tough layout ‘The Bear’; GaryPlayer’s ‘The Wolverine’ and the original ‘Spruce Run’, re-designed by former U of M golf coach Bill Newcomb. Choose from year-round offerings of multi-day golf schools, public clinics, junior camps and clinics, Ladies-Only schools, Team Builds, corporate clinics, and indoor league play on GC2-powered Golf Simulators. For details, visit grandtraverseresort.com or call 1-800-236-1577.

Crystal Mountain Resort, also on GOLF Magazine’s Top-25 list, conducts over 100 clinics and schools targeted toward all skill levels. Former MI PGA Professional of the Year and Director of Golf Brad Dean has the knack for presenting difficult concepts in a manner that is easily understood; his skilled staff of professional have earned a myriad of teaching awards. Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the resort’s signature course, the Bill Newcomb-crafted Mountain Ridge. Owners Chris and Jim MacInnes invite you to enjoy Special Anniversary Rates of $20 per player, including cart and use of the practice range on: Tuesday, May 28; Friday, June 28; Sunday, July 14; Wednesday, August 28; Thursday, September 5; Wednesday, October 9. Call the Pro Shop at 800-968-7686, ext. 4000 or visit crystalmountain.com.

Janina Parrott Jacobs is a lifelong Michigan resident but her passion as a multi-media golf and business specialist and international golf and travel writer takes her all over the world. Her website, www.janinajacobs.com, features many other entrepreneurial adventures as a motivational speaker, professional musician and performer, owning Capers Steakhouse in Detroit, and volunteer efforts with the U.S. Navy where she advocates for and mentors young people concerning health, nutrition, and fitness issues. Contact Janina at Jjacobs2456@gmail.com.

Michigan offers a wide variety of golf courses with something for everyone. Offering over 800 public golf courses (plus the natural beauty of the state and the Great Lakes), Michigan is the perfect summer golf destination. With golf being one of the activities featured in the Pure Michigan summer video series, we spoke with Janina Parrott Jacobs to learn more about the sport.

See her in the video below and read more from Janina in the questions that follow. For more information on golfing in Michigan or to plan your summer vacation, visit michigan.org.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

A: I’m a lucky girl whose parents exposed me to everything, including golf. My amateur competitive ‘career’ began at age 9 and has taken me all over the world. In addition to my work as an international golf/travel/health writer, I own Capers Steakhouse in Detroit, am a professional musician, performer, and motivational speaker. I hosted ‘Michigan Golf Weekly’ TV show on CBS-Detroit, ‘GolfWrap’ on WJR, wrote golf columns for the Detroit Free Press, and have been a course ratings panelist for Golf Digest for 30 years. I’m an advocate for many organizations involved with mentoring youth, women’s golf, the U.S. Navy and other military, Sea Cadets, veterans’ affairs, and health and nutrition.

Q: What makes Michigan an ideal destination for golfing?

A: Michigan’s climate is perfect for growing golf courses so conditioning on almost anywhere is superb…..and great conditions are one of the main ‘must-haves’ when selecting places to play. With over 850 public and resort courses available, there is no state with a greater inventory to choose from, no matter what price point you seek. Due to Michigan’s varied topography, you can play links-style clubs, courses with major elevation changes, and layouts with lakeside vistas, even some with mountainous granite outcroppings. The golf season usually runs from March until November, but hardy souls play year-round – which some courses allow.

Q: Are there courses in Michigan that appeal to people of different ages and skill levels?

A: The Huron-Clinton Metroparks and most municipal and county courses are very family friendly, affordable, and welcoming for any age and skill level.

Q: When would you say is the best time of year to golf?

A: Fall golf in Michigan is unsurpassed. After Labor Day, the courses are in the best condition, the crowds have lessened and if you wait until October, the leaves are exploding with color. That, coupled with emerald green fairways, bright blue skies and bluer water on many courses along Great Lakes shores, makes for an artist’s palette sure to delight the eyes. I don’t know why play drops off so significantly at that time, though ‘back-to-school’ applies to parents as well as kids; still, golfers are missing the absolute best playing conditions and weather.

Q: The Masters is happening this month in Augusta, GA. Which golfers are you cheering for?

A: Defending champion Bubba Watson is a feel-good choice but probably won’t repeat. I’d love if he did because he’s simply an all-around nice guy with that go-for-broke style of Arnold Palmer and the late Seve Ballesteros. Rory McIlroy is due for a green jacket, but Tiger Woods has had an early taste of victory at Bay Hill so he’ll be hungering for another major after a ‘Major’ drought. Brandt ‘Sneds’ Snedeker, as winner of both the Tour Championship and Fed Ex Cup, is primed for a stellar 2013. Acclaimed as the best putter on tour, Augusta’s greens may prove to separate him from the pack. Nostalgic favorite Ernie Els, who has never won a Masters, and Phil Mickelson are popular with the patrons.

Q: Are there any tournaments coming up this year in Michigan?

A: Here’s where great golf can be seen around the state this year: the SYMETRA (LPGA preparatory Tour) 2013 Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass, June 28-30; Sweetgrass is both a Golf Digest and Golfweek top-rated course in the UP; the Michigan PGA Championship is at Katke-Cousins/R&S Sharf Courses at Oakland University August 19-21; the Michigan Amateur will be contested at Muskegon CC June 18-21; The Legends Tour (LPGA Senior Tour) ‘Wendy’s Charity Challenge’ on August 11-12 at CC of Jackson; the Women’s Amateur is at Walnut Hills CC in Lansing August 12-16; all are free to watch except at Sweetgrass, where affordable packages can be purchased at sweetgrassgolfclub.com.

Q: Where can people go to learn more about golf in Michigan?

A: Consider joining the Golf Association of Michigan at gam.org. Besides conducting amateur tournaments and events for both adults and juniors, GAM provides handicapping services, Swing-n-Save discounts, a ‘clearinghouse’ listing for charity golf events and associations, golf days with affordable access to private clubs, and much more.

Janina Parrott Jacobs is a lifelong Michigan resident but her passion as a multi-media golf and business specialist and international golf and travel writer takes her all over the world. Her website, www.janinajacobs.com, features many other entrepreneurial adventures as a motivational speaker, professional musician and performer, owning Capers Steakhouse in Detroit, and volunteer efforts with the U.S. Navy where she advocates for and mentors young people concerning health, nutrition, and fitness issues. Contact Janina at Jjacobs2456@gmail.com.